Chih-Yu Yeh, a third-year student from Department of Applied Foreign Languages at Taiwan Tech, was selected as the Youth Ambassador for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 112th year of the Republic of China. From September 2 to 11, she engaged in diplomatic activities in Saint Lucia, a diplomatic partner in the Caribbean. During her visit, she formally met with the acting governor-general, as well as the speaker of the House of Assembly. Additionally, she participated in the “Taiwan-Saint Lucia Night” and engaged in school visits, promoting cultural exchange.

Chih-Yu Yeh, a student majoring in Applied Foreign Languages from Taiwan Tech (left), assumes the role of Youth Ambassador, embarking on an official visit to the friendly nation of Saint Lucia. On the right is Ambassador Chia-Yen Chen, representing Taiwan in Saint Lucia.

During this visit to Saint Lucia, Yeh Chih-yu was responsible for the English language promotional and informational aspects. In addition to extensive preparation for the scheduled meetings, she also provided valuable translation assistance to fellow Youth Ambassadors, particularly those possessing expertise in cultural and artistic domains. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Yeh noted that the official visit itinerary surpassed her initial expectations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided a platform for the Youth Ambassadors, necessitating thorough preparation in advance and navigating a fast-paced and compact schedule. Adapting to situations that require timely adjustments while allowing room for flexibility was also a crucial aspect. Compared to official meetings, she preferred informal gatherings, such as social dinners, where she could engage in relaxed conversations and gain practical insights into various circumstances.

Chih-Yu Yeh (left) serves as a youth ambassador from the Department of Applied Foreign Languages at Taiwan Tech. On the right is Ambassador Robert Kennedy Lewis, the Ambassador of Saint Lucia to Taiwan.

Chih-Yu Yeh emphasized the significance of her recent diplomatic visit, particularly, the substantial insights gained from the discussions on local revitalization and gender equality with Hon. Alvina Reynolds, the President of the Senate of Saint Lucia. Originating from a family involved in winemaking in Taichung, Yeh pursues a dual major in Information Management and a minor in Computer Science at Taiwan Tech, aiming to explore new avenues in the traditionally male-dominated agricultural workforce. During this visit, Hon. Alvina Reynolds brought up a 'Call to Action' to break gender stereotypes, which deeply resonated with Chih-Yu Yeh. Upon her return to Taiwan, she found herself contemplating the family winemaking business, realizing the potential for it to be “local roots with international reach” and adopting a different perspective on her role as a woman, which was an unexpected outcome for her.

Yeh mentioned that her decision to apply for the Youth Ambassador program and visit Saint Lucia was greatly influenced by her participation in the “USR Action Engineer Program” at Taiwan Tech, where she traveled to rural areas in Indonesia in August last year. Being extroverted and intrigued by diverse cultures and environments, she found the distinct landscapes and customs abroad fascinating. During the visit, Yeh observed the varied skill sets of her fellow team members and learned the delicate balance of exhibiting enthusiasm without overshadowing others, a crucial aspect of effective teamwork.

Self-identifying as talkative, she emphasized the importance of breaking the ice through engaging conversations, a vital skill for intercultural exchanges. For instance, at the youth forum dinner, she proactively initiated a conversation with a young Saint Lucian individual who was sitting alone. After some light conversation, she discovered that he was majoring in computer science, allowing for a more in-depth discussion based on their shared background and fostering a warm friendship.

Regarding tips for the written application and interview process for the Youth Ambassador position, Yeh highlighted the need for a well-defined and focused personal statement. She iterated that her personal statement underwent seven versions before finalization. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and historical aspects of the host country is essential for a composed and confident interview. She shared that many applicants tend to enthusiastically discuss their international experiences during the interview, but as a Youth Ambassador representing Taiwan on foreign visits, it is vital to emphasize the connection between oneself and Taiwan as the primary focus.

Chih-Yu Yeh (right), a third-year student majoring in Applied Foreign Languages from Taiwan Tech, has been appointed as a Youth Ambassador. She traveled to the friendly ally Saint Lucia as part of a diplomatic mission to visit Arthur Lewis Community College.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched “International Youth Ambassador Exchange Program” and selected 40 youth ambassadors aged 18 to 35, including Yeh, from various academic backgrounds to represent Taiwan in our diplomatic ally, Saint Lucia, in the Caribbean. The youth ambassadors possess expertise in diverse domains such as English language promotion, dance, music, performing arts, and culinary skills. Notably, this year, four national champions specializing in culinary arts were specifically chosen to participate. The “International Youth Ambassador Exchange Program” has been held annually since 2009. However, due to the pandemic, departures were postponed in 2020 and 2021, with the last visit to Palau, a diplomatic ally, occurring in 2022.

Chih-Yu Yeh, a third-year student from Department of Applied Foreign Languages at Taiwan Tech, was selected as part of the 112th cohort of Youth Ambassadors by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In September, she embarked on a diplomatic mission to Saint Lucia, a friendly Caribbean nation and a diplomatic partner of Taiwan.